Woodstock Playhouse produces 'Christmas Carol' musical

Charles Dickens, who would be 200 this year, might very well be smiling from above watching this celebration of his enduring classic.

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By Deborah J. Botti

recordonline.com

By Deborah J. Botti

Posted Nov. 23, 2012 at 2:00 AM
Updated Nov 23, 2012 at 8:09 AM

By Deborah J. Botti

Posted Nov. 23, 2012 at 2:00 AM
Updated Nov 23, 2012 at 8:09 AM

IF YOU GO!

What: "A Christmas Carol & Winter Wonderland"

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 and 30 and Dec. 1; 2 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 2

Where: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Road, Woodstock

Price: $28,...

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IF YOU GO!

What: "A Christmas Carol & Winter Wonderland"

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 and 30 and Dec. 1; 2 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 2

Where: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Road, Woodstock

Price: $28, $32, $36

Call: 679-6900

Visit: woodstockplayhouse.org

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Charles Dickens, who would be 200 this year, might very well be smiling from above watching this celebration of his enduring classic.

"There are so many different adaptations of 'A Christmas Carol,'" says Randy P. Conti, executive director of the Woodstock Playhouse. "It's the same story, but to turn it into a musical was brilliant."

Conti was mesmerized by Radio City Music Hall's production at Madison Square Garden a number of years ago. He knew that someday he would put his creative touch on this show — and someday is now. The first of this season's five performances of "A Christmas Carol" by Woodstock Playhouse Productions happens Saturday evening.

"We presented it last season and plan to make it an annual tradition," says Conti, who is also directing this performance. "The cast and chorus are a mix of veterans and new performers, which adds a different energy. I may have a direction and choreography in my head, but then someone does something differently that works, giving the show new life."

Along with being a musical, what makes this "Carol" noteworthy is that Ebenezer Scrooge is portrayed as a young man.

"We learn what brought him to the point he's at today, how that development progressed," says Conti. "During Christmas Future, we really feel for him and can appreciate change. ... Although it's called 'A Christmas Carol,' it really has nothing to do with Christmas. It's about change and growth."

The rich-but-never-stuffy characters proffer timely moral messages, says Conti. Certainly the visits from the ghost of Jacob Marley are life-altering, but even Fezziwig's annual Christmas ball, where the workers and the gentry come together without class restrictions, is illuminating. And this holiday tradition unfolds within the framework of an exuberant, theatrical production.

"There are beautiful songs in the show," he says — even magical flying effects.

Filled with holiday spirit, Conti says the audience will then exit into a festive Winter Wonderland, complete with carolers and some characters from the play.

"It's the perfect photo op, especially for a homemade Christmas card," he says. "Santa Claus will be on hand, or the family can be photographed with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim for a Dickens Christmas."